Veterinarian Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $144,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Fairbanks, AK earns a median $144,522/year (≈ $69.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Fairbanks's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $136,213 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, veterinarians can expect to earn a median salary of $144,522 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market that outpaces the national median by approximately 5.23%. The projected salary range is significant, starting at $84,606 at the lower end and reaching up to $224,010 for top earners. These statistics are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, alongside regional cost adjustments which indicate the value of veterinary work in Fairbanks. Given the area's unique blend of pet ownership and wildlife management needs, the job market for veterinarians is poised for growth and remains attractive for both new graduates and seasoned professionals.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($126,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,606 | $40.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,303 | $54.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,522 | $69.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,078 | $88.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $224,010 | $107.69 |
Median Salary Position
5.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, AK, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,404 (2026 est.). At $144,522, the local median is 5.23% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairbanks: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairbanks Veterinarian Pay Compares
Fairbanks median: $144,522/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairbanks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $145,688 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +5.23% more |
Veterinarians in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $144,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.80% below the Alaska state average of $145,688.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairbanks has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairbanks, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,522 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,213 — a 5.75% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$100,457
2025 BLS Actual
$136,910
2026 Current Est.
$144,522
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,665 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,334 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,596 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,558 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $100,457 (2019) to $136,910 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,558 by 2027 — a total increase of $52,101 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $84,606 – $113,303 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,303 – $144,522 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,522 – $183,078 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,078 – $224,010 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinarian Job Market in Fairbanks
In this region, only five veterinarians are currently employed, highlighting a tight labor market. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 106.1, the purchasing power for veterinarians can vary, making it essential for professionals to consider their compensation carefully. Among the different employers, corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl typically offer higher salaries compared to independent practices; this is due in part to larger operational budgets and the prevalence of specialty services. The wide salary range reflects factors such as specialty board certifications, production-based compensation models, and potential sign-on bonuses, which can range from $50,000 to $150,000 in certain shortage areas. To maximize earnings, new veterinarians in Fairbanks may benefit from pursuing board certifications in specialties or exploring opportunities within corporate practices, which often offer structured advancement pathways and competitive compensation packages.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Fairbanks, AK in 2026?
Is Fairbanks, AK a good place to work as a veterinarian?
Can veterinarians make $100K in Fairbanks?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinarian salary in Fairbanks?
How much does a veterinarian make per hour in Fairbanks?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alaska
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,910 for veterinariansin the Fairbanks metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairbanks is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov